Mrs. Cushman. Mrs. Tiberis. Miss Svec. Mrs. Bernon. Mrs. Ehlert. Mrs. Berardi. I could go on, but since these people are meaningless to you, I’ll stop.

These are the names of my teachers from kindergarten through fifth-grade. Some 55 years later, I see them in my mind’s eye as distinctly as if I was still sitting behind my little desk, staring up at them — standing at the chalkboard, seated authoritatively behind their big desks at the front of the classroom, seated on a chair ‘mid a circle of children during a reading group.

Mrs. Tiberis had short, blonde wavy hair, proper Miss Svec favored belted dresses with Peter Pan collars. Mrs. Ehlert was older and so endearing. I loved staying after-school to help her change her bulletin board displays. I got to have lunch alone with Mrs. Bernon when I beat out a girl named Linda Zak in our third-grade reading challenge. We went to Howard Johnson’s; I felt like we were dining at The Ritz.

I think sometimes we forget what an out-sized role teachers play in our growth and development. But I bet many of you can recall the names of your teachers; certainly the ones you favored or who left significant impressions on you — for whatever reason.

I was reminded recently of school’s importance because I’ve noticed that so many schools on Staten Island are either hosting open houses, looking to interest families in enrolling their children, or they are hosting events that draw students’ families in to tap into the personality and mission of the school.

PS 11 in Dongan Hills, for example, held an open house on Jan. 23. The school band performed, and the third-grade dancers took the stage to strut their stuff to Katy Perry’s “Roar,” inspiring the audience to dance along, according to Principal Erica Mattera. I caught a rehearsal; they were wonderful.

But what had students talking most was the multicultural feast presented by the Compass group in the cafeteria. The chefs’ offerings included cuisine from China, Albania, Mexico, Italy, Pakistan and Russia — countries representing the ethnicities of many of the school’s 300 students.

Fifth-grader Majd Dubeik was proud to point out that he downed three burritos after playing with the band, but to a person, everyone praised the quantity and quality of the offerings.

St. Ann’s School across the street held its open house on Jan. 26.

Many Catholic schools held events recently that drew people in — all part of Catholic Schools Week.

I lunched with my grandson, 7, and granddaughter, 4, on Jan. 30. We sat next to two of my grandsons’ classmates and an aunt of theirs. ‘Mid the hustle-bustle pace of food consumption (and I mean it was quick), I learned that my granddaughter has two boyfriends and an “ex,” in her words.

I must say that I was dumbfounded she even knew how to use the word, “ex,” but it rolled off her tongue as easily as it might if she were 20.

But that’s what school does, in part. It is a place for academics, but it is a place where so much more happens. Much of that comes from your peers, but those teachers — they play an out-sized role in moving you forward in so many ways.

For instance, I was fine in math until I ran into algebra. I just couldn’t conceptualize the material. How have you solved anything if an answer like “10x” is correct? I was lucky that time around, though. I had a teacher named Mr. Materni and he sat with me, presenting the material one way after another until — aha! — the light went on. I’ve always been grateful.

Even in college, I recall Prof. Webb, a chemistry instructor, inviting me for a private session one afternoon when I was struggling with understanding something that had to do with the structure of an atom. Again, the patience and the good nature he exhibited as I tried to explain what I didn’t understand was remarkable. By the time I left that afternoon, I had it. He found a way to penetrate my dense brain.

But good teachers do more than that: They listen, empathize, shape behavior, model appropriate habits. They keep order — no small feat. They process paperwork, grade tests, keep track of who needs to be where and when.

But most of all, you spend a year with them and they become part of the fabric of your life. You learn their quirks; they learn yours better. They take on iconic status as the years pass. You wouldn’t be where you are now without them. The better among them serve as touchstones forever. Mr. Materni is a case in point.

Just in the past few weeks, someone who sits next to me at work has recounted several stories of a teacher he had decades ago at PS 55, and my brother often talks about his favorite grade-school teacher, red-haired Miss Main, who taught second-grade.

Think back. How many of your teachers can you recall — and why?

Feel free to share some of your favorite memories and stories by posting a comment at the bottom of this story on SILive.com. I got some fabulous responses to the column I did on the Beatles, with some amazing stories of the impact that band had on so many lives. This subject is just as ripe for recollections. You can also email me at hack@siadvance.com or call at 718-816-8350. But sharing on SILive.com will reach the biggest audience.